We need more taxis, no more bonuses

The government plans to solve the taxi problem by distributing yet another one bonuses. The Minister of Infrastructure, Matthew Salviniseems willing to make financial contributions available to taxi drivers, so that they can improve the quality of the means in circulation. That of the leader of the League it is a kind of Pavlovian tic which, however, does not respond in any way to the public transport crisis non-linear and which contrasts with the muscular attitude adopted by the executive in other circumstances. On the merits, it is clear to everyone that the kilometric queues outside the stations and the endless waiting times simply depend on theinadequacy of the offer. The point is not that public cars are not equipped enough: it’s that there are too few of them.

Those who want to seriously address the issue may have different ideas than the tools to adoptfrom the distribution of additional licenses to the liberalization of Ncc and platforms up to the authorization to use the medium by subjects other than the owner. But no solution can ignore the need for increase the number of cars on the road, especially – but not only – during peak hours. The idea that we can get out of it simply by giving yet another gift to a category that, moreover, at this moment can do anything but cry misery, makes us smile. The posture of the is also paradoxical government: the ministers and the prime minister herself have not hesitated to raise their voices with the banks on mortgages and with the airlines on the cost of tickets, both matters which do not depend on the conduct of companies and which have a complex history (from the rate hike to energy prices). Instead, in the case of taxis, the question is very clear: there is nothing to understand and there are no scapegoats like the ECB or speculators. There is only one lever to end this scandal and it is entirely in the hands of the government. It’s not about power, it’s about wanting.